Breastfeeding Rate May Be Diminished Through Using Labor Medication

Breastfeeding being regarded as highly beneficial for the health of both mother and baby, it is recommended by scientists and doctors to breastfeed for six months in the least. Ways are sought to induce more mothers to nurse their children accordingly. But it was discovered that the use of some prescribed medications can influence the ability to breastfeed adversely. They include some painkillers and medicines that are intended to preclude postpartum bleeding.

A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, reveals that the effect of some clotting agents like oxytocin or ergometrine influences breastfeeding during the two days following the birth by retarding milk production.

Although in the opinion of scientists that effect may be disregarded in favor of these drugs’ ability to decrease the risk of after-birth bleeding from 18% to 6%.

“The potentially life-saving treatments to prevent bleeding after birth must not be compromised on the basis of this study but further studies are required to establish ways to minimize any effects on breastfeeding rates,” ran the conclusion.

Scientists are proceeding with research to provide more support to women to ensure propitious breastfeeding right upon the birth of the baby.

Source of the image: flickr.com/photos/emerycophoto.